Google updates privacy policy to link AI search to personal file ads

Twenty-five percent of users who opt into specific Google AI features may now see advertisements influenced by the contents of their personal files, according to a privacy policy revision discovered by Android Authority.

The policy change, which went into effect on October 16, modifies a long-standing rule. Previously, Google stated it would not use data from Gmail, Google Drive, or Google Photos to serve personalized ads. The new text adds a qualifier to that pledge. The commitment now holds only unless a user chooses to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads.

This shift primarily impacts individuals who have connected their personal accounts to AI Mode and other Search tools via Google's Personal Intelligence feature. This connection allows the tools to access a user's own content to provide tailored answers and recommendations. Under the updated terms, this same sharing of data can also drive ad targeting. If a user permits Search or Gemini Apps to reach data from Photos or Workspace apps, those services can process that information to personalize content, including advertisements.

Google has outlined specific limits on how this data is used. Advertisers do not receive direct access to the information stored in a user's Drive, Gmail, or Photos. They also do not get personally identifying details such as a name or email address. The company states it will not show ads based on sensitive categories, including race, sexual orientation, religion, or health.

The policy provides a practical example of how this works in daily use. If a user searches for mountain bikes in Search, they might later see ads for sports equipment on YouTube. This is part of a broader framework where personalized ads are shown based on interests, activity, or personalized content from Google services, depending on the user's specific settings.

Users who prefer to keep their personal data out of ad targeting have several options to adjust their privacy. They can select which apps to disconnect from Search's Personal Intelligence features. Alternatively, they can switch off Personalized Recommendations entirely through the Search Services Personalization settings page.